Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day, all! I have always had a special place in my heart for this celebration. For one thing, it shares the same birth year as me, 1970. For another, the idea originated with a Wisconsin U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson. (This courtesy of the Earth Day Network™, http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement) Finally, if you love nature– what better way to revere our Mother Earth than with a hike and a picnic?

As to locations, look into your city, county, or state parks and see who has the best trails. If you are lucky enough to live in a rural or woodsy area and own your abode, blaze a trail of your own. When you return for some hearty fare, stoke a fire pit in the backyard if it has cooled off.

Picnic goodie list:

Baguette of good bread, french or sourdough

Prosciutto

Hummus

Variety of cheeses like parmesan, blue, gouda

Thermoses of hot coffee and chocolate

If it is warm where you are, go with some nicely brewed herbal iced tea with sprigs of mint

Kalmata olives

Grape tomatoes

Grapes

For dessert, hunks of dark chocolate. Mix it up with varieties that have sea salt, chile peppers, or just plain 80 percent of pure noir goodness

Or if you are feeling more ambitious, try this healthy cookie recipe (per the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres):

Plan for a group size of 5 to 15, but do know the walking limitations and ambitions of your guests ahead of time. Load up, pick your trail and head out to enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Be kind and pick up any trash or recycling along the way to dispose of when you are done. When you are ready to rest, pick your spot and settle yourself in. There are some worthwhile chants and exercises at Gaia meditations: http://www.omgaiamusic.com/meditations.php

Feel the rooted connection with our Mother Earth and show her some love. When you are finished, break out the supplies and feast. "Om mani padme om."

Colleen DuVall has written articles, plays, short films, and a novel. Most recently, her work was featured in Crone Magazine and the Marquette Journal online. She resides with a black cat named Bootsie, who always wants to keep her company at her computer.